Preparation for the Final Exam

The final exam will consist of a combination of short-answer and essay questions. This examination must be taken in a proctored environment. You may not apply to take the final exam until you have completed all other course assignments. You may not use your course texts or any other aids during the exam. You will be allowed three hours to complete this exam.

To prepare for the short-answer questions, review the introductory text from each lesson, paying special attention to major figures and events in the development of science fiction.

To prepare for the essay questions, take a step back from the course material and consider the larger themes of this course. Have you noticed recurring characters, ideas, or plots in the stories you've read? What differences do you see between stories written in 1800, 1900, and 2000? Remember that, although it is important to be able to refer to specific readings, it is even more important to be able to explain how these readings relate to one another and to the larger science-fiction genre.

Finally, keep in mind that you are expected to read all of the stories published in the first four volumes of The Road to Science Fiction, including stories that have not been specifically discussed in the lessons.